Kathie Lee Gifford has made her parents proud ever since she was a little girl. Her father would always say to her, “find something you love to do and learn how to get paid for it.” Her mother gave her the wisdom to have faith in her heart and to trust God's direction, leading her to a career she would love. Both those sage pieces of advice have been realized for Kathie Lee Gifford. Her first paying gig was singing with her sister at her grandmother's birthday for the woman who has done it all transformed morning television, twice.

Kathie Lee Gifford and Regis Philbin had a repartee that brought a light to “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” that had never been seen with the generally bland and glib pairings in morning television.

Kathie Lee explained during one of her segments, celebrating her time on “Today” in April, that she and Regis never had scripts. The back-and-forth that became the trademark of the partners was completely on-the-spot and natural and set a new standard for morning entertainment.

Hoda Kotb consistently praises KLG for jumping into her world “with both feet” and bringing “everything good” that has happened in the “Today” co-anchors life. The spontaneity, spark, tears, and laughter between the fourth-hour sidekicks were unlike anything else on morning TV-- never done by two strong, delightful women professionals. Kathie Lee Gifford accepted the 2019 Emmy award for Best Informative Talk Show Host as “the topper” of her 11 years with Hoda in May.

The news came on “Today,” and just about everywhere else on June 21, that another good thing was coming to Kathie Lee Gifford. The showbiz veteran is among the 2020 class of luminaries to be honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She will among some very familiar and distinctive company in entertainment.

More than notable names

Among the 35 honorees, selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Walk of Fame Selection Committee, were Spike Lee, Dr. Phil McGraw, rapper 50 Cent, Julia Roberts, Cindy Crawford, Octavia Spencer, and talk show contemporary, Wendy Williams. The honor of having a star on the walkway is related not only by star status, but by public involvement and support, and cultural significance.

Thousands of names are submitted each year, and the committee calls this year's choices “particularly unique.”

Along with many who “have already built a legacy in Hollywood,” this year’s focus was to “celebrate many new talented artists who’ve touched our hearts” across film, television, radio and musical categories. Kathie Lee Gifford has proven her talents in many of those areas. She also has friends in her group of Walk of Famers.

“This Is Us” star, Milo Ventimiglia and Bravo network host, Andy Cohen have been frequent “Today” guests and guest-hosts. Cohen offered a very touching sendoff to Kathie Lee during her farewell salute. She extended loving words when Andy welcomed his son, Benjamin, in February this year.

Gifford has dear friends across her career, including Craig Ferguson and her “favorite atheist,” Ricky Gervais. Kathie Lee's vivacious spirit, honesty, and natural way of embracing her faith serve as a welcome to anyone.

Not right away

Kathie Lee graciously thanked everyone for her recognition with the Hollywood Walk of Fame honor. Hoda Kotb behooved quite a bit more excitement with her social media words of congratulations.

“Yessssssss!!!, captioned Kotb, “My girl will soon get her star on the Hollywood walk of fame. Congrats @kathielgifford.”

The connection between Hoda and KLG will endure forever. Kathie Lee explained that leaving “a certain job” or “a building” didn't mean that she would ever leave any of her friends and family.

As grateful as Gifford was for this accolade, it may take a while for her to put it officially on her calendar.

Gifford had great success with her faith-based film and music project with Nicole C Mullen, “The God Who Sees,” and was recently honored with a Dove award for her collaboration with Rabbi Jason Sobel for “The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi.” The book and film project has prompted a resurgence of scriptural study from the Jewish roots of Christianity.

Kathie Lee has more film projects in the works as she savors her new life in Nashville. She also has wedding plans on the horizon-- as the mother of the groom to her engaged son, Cody Gifford, who is set to marry his longtime love, Erika Brown.

Hollywood Walk of Fame honorees can take up to two years to fit the ceremony into their ever-filled calendars. A walk down the aisle at her son's wedding may come first, but Kathie Lee Gifford will be surrounded by countless loving friends and family when her big Hollywood day arrives.
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